Latest KFF Health News Stories
Miss. Official Had No Say In Abortion Case, But It Carries His Name
Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippi’s top public health official, is named in the case before the Supreme Court, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which could lead the justices to overturn their landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. But Dobbs has not said what his views are on abortion, and it is the state attorney general who brought the suit. Also, how overturning Roe could affect IVF services; what corporate leaders are doing to prepare; and how Texas — where the Roe case originated — is still the center of the argument over abortion.
Gun Talks Progress But Will Exclude ‘Comprehensive’ Background Checks
The slow Senate negotiation process is “inching forward,” according to Bloomberg. But Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy says any agreement on a bill will omit comprehensive background checks for gun buyers and any ban on assault-style weapons. Mental health funding is proposed, but media reports highlight that mental health issues aren’t necessarily a leading factor in mass shootings.
Pushback At Medicare Plan To Limit Hospital Medical Complication Reports
Consumer groups and employers, USA Today reports, are resisting a plan by Medicare to limit public reporting of certain often-preventable complications that happen during hospital stays. Separately, Medicare Advantage insurance firms are accused of data mining patient records to make false bills.
‘Astonishing’ Results In Small Cancer Drug Study
All 18 of the participating patients with rectal cancer went into complete remission: “I believe this is the first time this has happened in the history of cancer,” said Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr. of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and author of the paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
CDC Genetic Analysis Identifies 2 Monkeypox Strains In US
The findings suggest longer global circulation of the virus than previously believed and that community-level transmission could be taking place undetected.
Restarted Abbott Plant Prioritizing Formula For Babies With Digestive Issues
Abbott Nutrition resumed production Saturday at its Sturgis, Michigan, facility, after the Food and Drug Administration said that “initial requirements” were met in addressing sanitary violations. Elecare, a specialty formula for infants with severe allergies or digestive issues, is the first product on the line and should start shipping June 20.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Media Coverage Of Monkeypox Is Racist; Baby Formula Shouldn’t Be Treated As A Drug
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on hepatitis, “terramation,” feminine wash products, HIV and malaria vaccines, covid, and much more.
LA Will Restrict Sales Of Flavored Tobacco Products
The city’s new restrictions on the sale of sweet, spicy, and minty tobacco flavors will go into effect in January if the mayor signs the bill. Meanwhile, in two communities in Maine, a similar ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products went into effect Wednesday. Other tobacco- and drug-related news is reported.
DeSantis Amps Up Assault Against Rights Of Transgender Minors
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, is reportedly pushing to essentially ban transition-related care for minors and those on Medicaid. In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, threatened to sue over a trans-inclusive school lunch policy.
Iran Has Zero Daily Covid Deaths For First Time In 2 Years
The Middle Eastern nation had one of the region’s highest number of covid cases. The World Health Organization, meanwhile, has good news for Africa with a prediction from models that deaths from covid may tumble 94% this year from 2021’s figures. But in India, covid is soaring.
Reports Of Kids With Melatonin Poisoning Jump Dramatically
Researchers looking into poisoning events involving children and the sleep-aid drug melatonin warn that figures have risen dramatically during the pandemic, up over six times the figures from a decade ago. Separately, the puzzling child hepatitis outbreak continues with 30 more U.S. cases.
Hack Hits 27,000 Customers Of Pharmacy App Capsule
Capsule has not revealed what data was compromised and says that an outside review determined its security measures were not at fault. In other cybercrime news, the Food and Drug Administration has warned DNA sequencing machines owned by Illumina may be hackable, potentially affecting diagnoses or leaking patient data.
Idaho Court To Hear Arguments On New Abortion Law In August
Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against the state’s strict new anti-abortion law will likely be heard in the Idaho Supreme Court after the U.S. Supreme Court issues its ruling that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Separately, a political storm brews in Rhode Island as a senator was stopped from introducing a law to protect local providers from Texas-style prosecutions.
Ex-NIH Director Brushes Off Concerns Over ARPA-H Independence
The new research office, essentially a medical equivalent of defense research agency DARPA, has been surrounded by controversy over how it will act independently. The FTC suing to block hospital acquisitions in New Jersey and Utah, and other health industry matters are also in the news.
As Formula Shortages Grow, Parents Turn To Other Baby Food Options
Some families who are having trouble finding formula are using baby food to supplement their child’s nutrition, according to a new poll quoted by MarketWatch. Although federal officials have rushed to bring in formula from overseas to help stem the crisis, out-of-stock rates climbed to 74% last week.
Paxlovid Lowers Covid Hospitalization And Death Rates Among Seniors
An Israeli study, published without peer review, notes that the Pfizer drug helped lower hospitalizations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated covid patients over the age of 65. The treatment was not as effective for younger patients. Earlier studies of the drug have focused on unvaccinated patients. Also: the need for more treatment options; outbreaks among vaccinated people; and the impact of vaccination during pregnancy.
Majority Of Planet Has Covid Antibodies From Vaccines Or Infections: WHO
As of last October, the number stood at 67% of people globally — and with the following omicron surge, that percentage is surely higher. World Health Organization data also confirmed the benefit of vaccines against severe disease. Separately, Politico reports that the CDC is researching deaths to determine possible linkages to long covid.
WHO Pushes Unified Monkeypox Response; US May Not Share Shots
As the unexpected global monkeypox outbreak spreads, with probable U.S. cases now also in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, the World Health Organization said that a global fight is needed that includes Africa. Politico reports the U.S. is “undecided” on sharing its vaccine store.
